***** Hiker Chicks Dinner *****

A reminder to the ladies that this month's Hiker Chicks dinner will take place this coming Friday, July 20th at the golf course, 5 pm.  Please call Rae at 848-2544 if you would like to attend.  

***** Cobre Lake Trail Clearing *****

We will clearing the Cobre Lake Trail on July 23, 24 and 25.  Each day we will meet at the Cobre Trail trailhead sign at 10 am.  We will be using a boat for transport to and from the sections of the trail that need clearing.  We have a limited number of life jackets, so bring your own if you have one.  Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately, bring water and snacks, and work gloves.  Tools will be provided.  We hope to clear until approximately 2 pm each day, though this may vary depending on the trail condition.  All assistance is greatly appreciated! 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Marty at 261-3879 or Ron at 461-8722.

***** Saturday, July 14 Hike *****

The forward forecast is for 30C on July 14^th. If this is indeed the actual forecast that day, we will do a SHORT walk in the deep woods, return and rehydrate at McD’s.  Phill.

***** Hiker Chicks Dinner *****

Rae is organizing this month's Hiker Chicks Dinner.  It will be held on Friday, July 20 at the golf course, 5 pm.  Rae is arranging a black forest cake for dessert after last month's near riot following the "no we don't have dessert" announcement!  Please call Rae at 705-848-2544 by Wednesday, July 18 if you would like to attend.  Bon appetit!

***** Tuesday, July 10 Easy Hike *****

We'll be exploring another section of the VTA on the Tuesday, July 10 Easy Hike.  The plan is to follow the VTA from Pipeline Road to Elliot Falls and perhaps do a section of the Red Briffet Trail if weather permits.  There will be an opportunity for a swim!  See you on the trails....Marty and Astrid.

Thursday June 28th Hike - Slipper Lake and area

photos and commentary by Emily

Three of us scoffed at the heat and humidity on Thursday and went for a hike south of the city. It was predicted to be 38c, so why not head further south?! 

We parked at the end of Esten Dr. North and headed across Scott Rd to the entrance to EL ATV  2 trail .We followed it way past some swampy areas and rocky cliffs . One cliff served as part of the trail we hiked! It was the second most challenging  part of the journey. More about that later. We took the south bound trail after passing an unnamed lake .  We stopped at a large boulder with a quartzite layer through it.  It was on a wet land area south of Slipper Lake.  We then headed north. It started out as a fairly well defined path through hemlock and pine trees.  Until we crossed a bridge. Then our leader stepped off the beaten path to give a truly wilderness experience to our hikers.

We found a patch of muskeg and tall beaver grass.  We got our boots  muddy but we were lucky and got them cleaned off because we had to step in water on our way back to the beaten path near the hydro lift station at Mississauga \ Canmet  snow dump!!! We headed back east to the EL ATV trail 2  which led us back to the unnamed lake. We used another small trail through hemlocks to a rocky ledge for our lunch.  We saw a water snake swimming by as we unpacked our lunches. It swam away and dove deeper into the water.  I guess we were not interesting enough for the water snake.

Along our trail we saw a few animal tracks. Some we identified as bear and others we were not too sure.

We continued back to the vehicle and ended our hike early. It was 6 km of bugs, sweat, sunscreen with loads of fun and stimulating conversation. An added treat was a patch of  blueberries for dessert.  PHOTOS

Monday's Hike - July 2, 2018 ****Cancelled due to weather****

message from Connie
I regret to inform you Monday July 2^nd’s hike will be cancelled due to a continuation of High Humidity, stay cool everyone.

Porridge Lake - Tuesday June 26, 2018

Astrid led nine hikers around Porridge Lake this morning. It was a beautiful sunny day. We didn't find any turtles but did come across a frog and could hear a loon. We stopped for lunch at George and Sheila's and admired their gardens. PHOTOS

Tamarack Trail - Monday, June 25, 2018

Photos and commentary by Connie
Chuck led seven of us to Tamarack trail 108 south, also joining us were two seasoned hikers who decided to check out our group. Nice cool breeze, deer flies were out, and saw moose tracks. PHOTOS

Quirke 2,2018-06-23

photos by Astrid
A small group of seven made their way onto the Quirke 2 site on Saturday.  Thankfully no bugs (except the deer fly passengers on Shelley's hat), and ONLY ONE CATERPILLAR COCOON!! Lunch overlooking the lake (never get tired of that view).  PHOTOS